Gabrielle Giffords announces resignation from Congress

Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has announced she will step down from Congress this week, in a video posted on Facebook and YouTube today.

Giffords said she is stepping down from Congress so she can continue her recovery from the gunshot wound she received in the assassination attempt at a "Congress on Your Corner" event held just over a year ago at a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona.

The Congresswoman said on Facebook: Thank you for your prayers and for giving me time to recover. I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down from Congress this week."

In the two-minute video message posted on Facebook and YouTube, Giffords said:

"Arizona is my home, always will be. A lot has happened over the past year. We cannot change that. But I know on the issues we fought for we can change things for the better. Jobs, border security, veterans. We can do so much more by working together. I don't remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you placed in me to be your voice. Thank you for your prayers and for giving me time to recover. I have more work to do on my recovery so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week. I'm getting better. Every day, my spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country. Thank you very much."

According to a statement released by Giffords' office, she will meet with Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and House Speaker John Boehner this week to submit her letter of resignation. Brewer will set a date for a special primary and general election to determine who will serve the remainder of Giffords' term.

Giffords is expected to attend Tuesday evening's State of the Union speech at the Capitol.